* Fouled Fuel Injectors: Oil is not designed to be atomized and burned like gasoline. The oil will gum up the fuel injectors, causing them to clog or spray improperly. This leads to poor fuel delivery, misfires, rough running, and potentially engine damage.
* Clogged Catalytic Converter: The unburned oil will pass through the engine and into the exhaust system. The catalytic converter is particularly vulnerable and will quickly become clogged with carbon deposits from the burned oil. This can cause back pressure in the exhaust, leading to reduced engine performance and potentially catastrophic damage to the catalytic converter.
* Damage to Oxygen Sensors: The oxygen sensors in the exhaust system are sensitive to contamination. The oil residue will coat the sensors, leading to inaccurate readings, which can throw off the engine's air-fuel mixture, resulting in poor fuel economy and potential engine damage.
* Increased Emissions: The incomplete combustion of the oil will increase the emission of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
* Oil sludge buildup in the fuel tank: The oil can settle and accumulate in the fuel tank, potentially causing long-term issues.
In short, adding oil to the gas tank of a fuel-injected engine is a very bad idea. It's crucial to only use the fuel specified by the vehicle manufacturer. If you suspect you have accidentally added oil to your gas tank, you should have your fuel system professionally flushed and cleaned as soon as possible.
